It appears Stamer Gubbins was born in New Zealand on passage to Australia in 1882. Gubbins family settled in Melbourne where he was educated at Melbourne Grammar School. Joining the 5th Contingent, Victorian Mounted Rifles in 1900 as a lieutenant at the age of 18, he served in South Africa during the Boer War. After serving his full tour with the 5th VMR he went on to serve in the Royal Fusiliers in 1902.

Having then been seconded to the West African Frontier Force in Nigeria 1904-09, and been advanced to Major, Gubbins was embarked for France in June 1915, where he commanded the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers from August of that year until May 1916.It was during this period that he won his D.S.O. for the Battalion’s attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt (a.k.a. The Chord) on 2 March. On that occasion, the attack was launched at 5.45 p.m. with the detonation of seven mines, the largest of which was intended to wreck the bulk of The Chord. Certainly the earth thrown up by the mines partly covered the enemy’s wire, thereby allowing Gubbins’s men - and the neighbouring 8th Battalion - to gain access to the enemy’s defences, but not without significant loss. As stated in The Royal Fusiliers in the Great War, the 9th Battalion ‘found many Germans in their sector of The Chord who, though dazed, did not surrender and had to be killed. There followed a number of fierce grenade fights, the Germans rushing down from the north end of The Chord and along the trenches leading from the east into it ... but the craters were held against enemy bombing attacks during the night.’

D.S.O. London Gazette 15 April 1916:

‘This officer commanded his Battalion in an attack, the success of which was due to the excellent organisation he had established in his Battalion, and to the fighting spirit he had fostered in it.’

O.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919.

“For valuable service rendered in connection with Military Operations in Egypt”

Gubbins, who was also mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 15 June 1916, refers), later served in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force as Deputy Assistant Adjutant General, services that resulted in his award of the O.B.E. After a long adventure away from Australia, Gubbins finally returned in 1938 with his wife. He died in 1940.

Mounted as worn, minor enamel damage to wreaths on the first, otherwise good very fine $7950

Emb: 31ST January 1916 from Brisbane with the 9th Battalion AIF before being transferred to the 42nd battery in April 1916

Attached to Number 6 Flying Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (in the field) from the 28th April 1916 until being returned to the battery’s control prior to doing a signals course in early 1917.

Military Medal action 5th April 1918

M.M. London Gazette 16 July 1918. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on our positions opposite Dernacourt and Albert on April 5th 1918. When the heavy shelling in the vicinity of the Battery cut all telephone wires he and two others went out without hesitation and succeeded in keeping the most urgent line in repair all the time. By his constant work on lines and disregard of danger under heavy and continued shell fire throughout the day, he rendered valuable service and enabled his Battery Commander to keep in communication and receive urgent tactical messages without delay.’

Transferred to the 4th Divisional Signals School in July 1918

Discharged 4th August 1919

Note: Coldicott (or “Coldy” as he was known) was personally presented with the riband for his award by General Sir W. R. Birdwood on 9 June 1918

Military Medal London Gazette 18th August 1917 “For Bravery in the Field”

26th April 1918 promoted to Cpl

21st October 1918 Transferred to the 11th Field Ambulance

Discharged 20th May 1919

Records show that Private Browne/Cooper was awarded his Military Medal "in the field" and as a result no citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research

Note: Albert William Brown - alias ‘Albert Cooper’ – It was in March 1918 that he revealed his true identity as Albert William Browne, rather than ‘Albert Cooper’; Statutory Declaration to this effect is in his personnel file.

Records show that Private Wilkie was awarded his Military Medal "in the field" and as a result no citation can be found at this stage (worthy of further research). Interestingly we do have a citation of where Private Wilkie is recommended for a "Bar" to his Military Medal, which was subsequently not awarded like so many of the late war awards.

In 1944 Private Wilkie applies for a re-issue of his medals as his original medals are lost. A rare chance to purchase a good infantry Military Medal group (that was nearly an MM and Bar) at a reduced price

"At Ploegsteert on the 1st June, 1917, these N.C.Os. and men, under the orders of Major E.T. Dean, whilst the 16th Battery was being heavily shelled, displayed the greatest bravery and devotion to duty in extinguishing on three separate occasions fires which had broken out from the hostile shelling in three gun pits of the battery and in several ammunition dumps. Whilst the gun pits were on fire, and the ammunition in them, and several dumps surrounding the battery were exploding, they brought buckets of water to the Battery Commander who was standing on top of the pit being dealt with, and worked in the pits with him putting out the fire. They subsequently put out the burning dumps, on more than one occasion boxes exploding whilst they were handling the dump. On the pits again catching fire under the heavy shelling they returned in the rage of it and successfully renewed their efforts. Their disregard for personal safety, fine devotion and determination undoubtedly saved the guns and a large quantity of ammunition, 1,500 rounds only being destroyed out of some 5,000 stored at these pits."

RTA: 24th October 1919

Note: Records show his Military Medal was returned to the Government by the Adelaide RSL.

A superb medal to an easy to research Officer thanks to his triple initial. The State of Victoria Gazette of Jan 29 1869 under "POST OFFICE" then "BALLARAT" shows him taken on strength of the Victorian Government in 1853 - the year before EUREKA.

Numerous newspaper reports show the demise of King for embezzlement of the Ballarat Post Office in 1869. There is much more research that can be done on this Officer and it would be interesting to learn if he played any part in the EUREKA uprising due to the probable central meeting place of the Ballarat Post Office and his loyalty to the Army.

The 12th Regiment arrived at Sydney in 1854 and served in New Zealand from 1860-66. It was engaged in the first Taranaki War, being present at No. 2 Redoubt and was in action throughout the Waikato War. It sustained losses at Rangiriri and fought at Gate Pa. The Headquarters moved to Napier in December 1865 and then moved to Tauranga in 1866, where part of the regiment took part in the Tauranga bush campaign.

As per the following report from The Hobart Mercury, 10 August 1861, Manning served as a Drill Instructor to the local volunteers in Tasmania in 186-61:

‘Yesterday evening a presentation of a purse of twenty sovereigns by the members of the First Rifles, S.T.V., to Acting Sergeant-Major Manning of H.M. 12th Regiment, who since the formation of the Corps, has filled the post of Drill Instructor, took place at the Town Hall.

Lieutenant-Colonel Russell, Field Officer, commanding Volunteers, and the whole of the officers of the Second Rifles were present; Mr. Manning holding the office of Drill Instructor to that corps. Several ladies also graced the scene with their presence and numerous spectators filled the gallery and lower part of the Hall. Acting Sergeant-Major Manning arrived shortly after eight o'clock, and the Corps being drawn up in subdivisions facing each other, Captain Solly spoke as follows:

“Sergeant Manning - The pleasing duty has devolved upon me, as the Captain Commanding the First Rifles, to convey to you, on the part of the Corps, the expression of their appreciation of your services as Drill Instructor. We feel, that to your unwearied assiduity and never failing patience, the present state of efficiency, which without boasting I may say is second to no corps in the Colony, is in great measure owing to you. I have now the pleasure of presenting to you this purse as a token of the good feeling entertained by the Corps towards you, and the high place you hold in their esteem. l am quite sure that wherever duty may call you, you will not forget the First Rifles, and you will ever carry with you the best wishes of the members of the Corps.

Sergeant Manning said:

“Officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the First Rifles. I thank you most heartily for the very handsome present which you have made me. It has always been my anxious desire to do my duty faithfully as your Drill Instructor. I shall ever feel it a great pleasure to assist in any way the members of the First Rifles; and any information that I may possess connected with their instruction as Volunteers I shall be most happy to afford. I may be called away shortly, or I may remain here for many years, but wherever I am I shall always remember the time I have spent with you and hope and trust you will ever maintain the position you now hold in the Rifle Corps of Tasmania.”

Sergeant Manning then withdrew and Colonel Russell, who had been present at the drill, requested Captain Solly to convey to the Corps his satisfaction at the manner in which they had gone through their evolutions.’

John Martin was born in Dublin. A Labourer by occupation, he attested for the 49th Regiment at Fermoy, 11 January 1853, aged 14 years, 7 months. With the regiment he served as a Drummer until transferring to the 82nd Regiment as a Private in February 1869. With the regiment he was promoted to a Corporal in November 1870; Sergeant in August 1874 and Colour Sergeant in December 1874. During his military career he served 3 years, 9 months in India. He was discharged at Dublin on 9 December 1879. Awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. with a gratuity of £5 in August 1875; awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with an annuity of £10 on 27 November 1915. Latterly the Chief Warder at the Military Prison, Cork.

With copied service papers and other research.

Sons group of Four: Staff Sergeant-Major J. Martin, Australian Forces, late South Lancashire Regiment

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (3503 Serjt., S. Lanc.Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (3503 Clr.-Serjt., S. Lanc. Regt.);Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (1st Cl. Sergt-Instr., 1st Bn. G.I.P. Ry.Vol. Rif. Cps.) correction to unit; Commonwealth of Australia Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (Staff Sergt-Major, Instl. Staff) John Martin was born in Bullevant, Co. Cork. He attested for the South Lancashire Regiment at Chester on 21 August 1891, aged 15 years, 8 months, and joined the regiment in Jersey two days later. He served as a Drummer until February 1892 when he reverted to Private and was promoted to Lance-Corporal in February 1894; Corporal in August 1895; Lance-Sergeant in March 1898; Sergeant in March 1899 and Colour-Sergeant in April 1902. Served in South Africa, November 1899-January 1903 and in India, January 1903-August 1913. In April 1906 he was transferred to the Bombay Unattached List as a 1st Class Sergeant-Instructor, posted to the Poona Volunteer Rifles and in March 1907, with the same rank, to the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Volunteers. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. in April 1910. Discharged on 21 August 1913 - listing Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, Australia as his intended place of residence. Awarded the Commonwealth of Australia M.S.M. as Staff Sergeant-Major of the 4th Military District (Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 7 June 1917).

With copied service and other papers.

First group, very fine and better. Second,edge bruising, contact marks, nearly very fine and better $3250

Edward John Bishop’s Boer war service was with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles as the Farrier Corporal and all three clasps are confirmed on the roll.

Enlisted in WW1 and trained with the 44th and 48th Battalion prior to departing with the 5th Pioneer Battalion

Emb: 23rd December 1916

Taken on strength Pioneer training Bn 18th February 1917 before proceeding to France

WIA: 30th September 1917 (remained on duty) France

Gassed but as it was caused by mishap it is not classed as a wounding (14th May 1918) “Platoon marched into to Corbie 13.5.18 which had been gas-shelled. Billets cleared and gas proofed and men warned against gas. L/Cpl Bishop with others visited areas other than billet area, which has been badly gassed. Evacuated following day sore eyes” No disciplinary action was taken.

2nd WIA: 23rd July 1918 (remained on duty) France

RTA: 10th March 1919 and discharged 5th Military District Western Australia

A great letter in Sergeant Bishop’s records by his wife describes his service “my husband said they were turned out of the hospital before they were well enough to make room for other cases and had to do two days march about 26 miles & had only been out of bed a few days. This sort of treatment to our men, to me, lwei’s what we would only expect from the enemy.

I do not want you to get the impression that my husband is a milk of water man, he has been fighting in France for fifteen (15) months without any leave and although reported twice wounded he remained each time on duty and has only been out of the fighting line when gassed. He is now 45 years of age and fought 16 months in the South African Boer war without a day’s leave”

M.I.D. London Gazette 6 April 1916, for services in the Euphrates operations, 24 June to 26 July 1915.

Frederick St John Barton was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on 6 May 1876, 4th son of Robert Barton, Malvern, Victoria, formerly Deputy Master of Melbourne Branch, Royal Mint. He was educated at Toorak College, near Melbourne, and volunteered and enlisted in the 5th Victoria Contingent during the South African War. He was then transferred as Sergeant to the Rhodesian Artillery, and afterwards gazetted 2nd Lieutenant into the 2nd Hampshire Regiment on 19 May 1900, at the recommendation of the Governor of Victoria. He was promoted to Lieutenant in March 1902 and to Captain in January 1907. He took part in the operations in Rhodesia, May 1900, and in the Transvaal and west of Pretoria in May to June 1901; and in the Orange River Colony, July to October 1901 (Queen’s Medal with 4 clasps; King’s Medal with two clasps). He served as Adjutant to the 1st Battalion from March 1909 to March 1912, and to the 4th Territorial Battalion from November 1912. He went to India with his battalion in October 1914, after the outbreak of the European War, and from there to Mesopotamia in March 1915, and was killed in action at the battle of Nasiriya, 24 July 1915.

Sold with an Army Post Card home to his wife ‘I am quite well’, signed ‘Fred 4/5/15’, two news cuttings and a copied portrait photograph, together with other research.

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WIA/KIA: Initially classed as wounded 6th November 1917, then reported wounded/missing before he was finally reported Killed in Action after a court of inquiry into his death.

Private Harris from his battalion gave the following statement in reference to Cpl Watson’s death; “Watson was buried by shell at Passchendaele on the 6th November with McDonald, Sutcliffe and Cox. I helped to dig them out and buried them behind the trench which was just in rear of village.”

Confirming Private Harris’s statement to be true and correct, Cpl Watson’s body was exhumed at the first possible opportunity and he now rests in the Passchendaele New British Cemetery (six and half miles N. E. from Ypres).

Also comes with a British War and Victory Medal (pair) correctly impressed to 181003 GNR J. W. S. WATSON R. A. Medal roll confirms this to be the full entitlement to John William Stewart Watson who is believed to be Robert’s brother. Further research required

Returned to the UK and taken on strength at A.I.F. HDQRS with rank of Hon. SGT.

RTA: 22nd October 1919

WW2 home service was recorded as HQ3 DIST DETAILS CAMP from 14th March 1940 until 20th July 1941 (16 months). The requirement for the Australian Service Medal at the time being 18 months makes this group his full entitlement

Note: An early entry in May 1915 at Gallipoli of a soldier being wounded is often due to wounds caused during the landing. Battalion musters were not able to be performed on the beach until the 2nd of May and records and information was filled in as a result of those initial musters.

On joining the 11th Battalion in Egypt in December it was not long before Private Brown was transferred to the newly raised 51st Battalion becoming an original member of ‘C’ Company in Mar 1916.

Renown as a champion boxer, it is no surprise being a fighter that he became a machine gunner and took part in the 51st attacks at Mouquet Farm and Noreuil.

On the 10th June 1917, as a volunteer stretcher-bearer and having just completed his duties he returned to the front-line trench atMessines. Suddenly a German shell landed in his dug-out and both he and another soldier were instantly killed. He is recorded as being buried, but unfortunately his body never recovered post war,

Private Brown is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium. †

Note: Private Percy Field Downer would have been with the battalion in the landing at Gallipoli and during the heavy fighting (April-May) of which the 14th Battalion became famous for. It is possible that he may be associated with Albert Jacka's feat that won him and Australia our very first Victoria Cross for WW1. Further research required.

When applying for the Gallipoli Medallion Private Turnbull included this from his diary, he had this to say

“landed about 11:30 at ANZAC Cove with the 7th reinforcements …. 6th Informed by our officers in Shrapnel Gully that we were to make big advance at 9pm, moved off at 9pm to the left with all the rifles free of ammunition , met with little opposition till 5am then we were in the midst of hell, with sniping very bad. We loaded our rifles just before daylight and were partly dug in on hill 303 at 4pm….. We made a heavy attack on Chocolate Hill at 3:30am on the 9th, the 13th, 14th & 15th battalions on the right of me made just a faint attack on the left and got cut up badly. I was one of 6 sent out to middle of hay field to draw enemy’s fire, our only cover being stacks of hay, there was only four of us left to join the main body, but 60 of us got cut off and returned into the Turks machine gun fire. Thirty of our chaps were cut down”

Note: It appears he lost his medals but all were returned. The Victory Medal was handed in separately and then returned by the government in 1936

Embarked again with 4th Pioneer Battalion and sent to Sandhurst for "bombing course" and passed as instructor 13th June 1917.

Transferred to 4th Machine Gun Battalion 12th May 1918

WIA: 30th June 1918 "Gunshot wound left arm severe"

RTA: 19th February 1919

Note: There is a statutory declaration for Daniel Mackay stating that he did not receive his victory medal (only receiving the initial War Medal he may not have believed he was entitled to the 1914/15 star as he was a late embarkation in 1915). Records further show that medals were returned in 1924 (possibly only the 1914/15 star and Victory Medal) and then sent back out along with a British War Medal. A very interesting grouping

Comes with copies of letters from Pte Wolstenholmes widow and family still applying for a widows pension in 1975. The letters state that his cause of death was mustard gassing in 1936. One letter states that he was a Military Medal winner, although there appears to be no mention of this in his records.

14th June 1917 admitted to clearing station a second time now with “Trench Fever” this is almost straight away from returning from his previous wounds.

RTA: 31st January 1918 medically unfit

Note: Interesting remark on his attestation form states he has two criminal charges; the first for “2up” and the second for “offensive behaviour” fined 1 pound. Comes with original colour patch, ID disc with Australian arms on obverse; King's Silver War badge numbered A49365 and Returned from Active Service badge (AIF) numbered 102292

GROUP 1: Pair: British War and Victory Medal both correctly impressed to 3225 PTE H. J. STONE 25 BN AIF.

EMB: 30th December 1915

WIA: 29th July 1916 "G. S. W Head"

RTA: 13th February 1917.

Note: Comes with Henry James Stones Returned from active service, Services rendered and R.S.L badge

GROUP 2: Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star. War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939/45 all medals correctly impressed to QX103820 H. A. STONE

Note: Henry Allan Stones file is not opened at this stage, but with his Demobilization and Record of Service booklets we can confirm that he enlisted on the 11th March 1943 and served with the 15th Field Ambulance. Further research required. Also comes with Drivers and Red Cross I.D. and Returned from active service badge. Plenty of information in these booklets for a collector to decipher.

Whilst in hospital it appears his behaviour is that of someone who has shell shock. Concluding “delusional insanity” and his file reports many of his delusional ranting such as his belief “the staff of the mental ward were leaders of the black hand gang” he also admits to hearing noises in his head and voices at the tip of his tongue that have “power” over him, especially at night.

RTA: 18th September 1917 Mental deficiency (for change)

Amazingly he was accepted back in service as part of the Sea Transport staff in October 1918 accompanying and helping the troops on their embarkation.

Note: Private Ryan’s records contain 73 pages with many of his various rants and delusions recorded giving us a very descriptive insight into his situation and also the medical assessments at the time

Note: Victory medal was initially returned to sender and then issued in 1923 (not duplicate). The group comes with an original Returned from Active Service badge, a RSL badge, also an unusual A.I.F. Women’s association badge and a blue enamel sweetheart or possibly lapel badge in the shape of Australia with a rising sun in the centre. Unsure as to whom each badge belongs to, but as they came with the group we assume a close relative if they are not Private Barton’s himself.

Newspaper article mentioned above is an extract from the Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser 17th September 1943 which outlines WO2 Klemm's death whilst in service in 1943. "He was appointed to the 6th Battalion. Regarded as a specialist in demolition work, he also instructed in other sections." WO2 Stenley Klemm (49 years) collapsed and died at the Nambour railway station.

Note: Comes with a stunning crossed rifles gold fob "To S. K. Klemm from residents of Jondaryan, District 1919". A lot more research is required with this group which can only enhance what appears to be outstanding service.

Thomas McHutchison was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1883, and was educated at Barry, Forfarshire. He emigrated to Perth, Western Australia, in 1912, and enlisted in the 44th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force on 7 February 1916. Embarking at Fremantle on 6 June 1916, he arrived at Plymouth on 21 July of that year, and proceeded to France on 25 November 1916. Appointed Lance Corporal on 12 July 1917, he suffered a gunshot wound to the head on 4 October 1917, whilst going up Zonnebeke Ridge, Ypres Sector, and was taken back to a field hospital. Despite writing to his Commanding Officer on 10 October, saying that he was getting better, he was admitted to Wimereux Hospital in critical condition on 16 October, and succumbed to his wounds there on 18 October. He is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery, France. Of the 992 men from his battalion involved in the Ypres operations in the autumn of 1917, only 158 emerged unwounded when it was relieved on 21 October 1917.

Note: Sold with named card box of issue for the Victory Medal, in envelope, together with Commonwealth of Australia enclosure.

Injured whilst returning from the rifle range on 23rd February 1918 when a horse lashed out kicking and injuring him on the right foot.

RTA: 10th July 1919

Note: Sergeant Meyers has very strong service with little break from the start of 1916 to his return well into 1919. Also his medals come in the original box, along with his original Light Horse colour patch which is quite rare in its own right and lovely to see still with the group.

On the 18th October 1918 was charged with Mutiny along with 12 others. The official charge read “Joining in a mutiny in Forces belonging to His Majesty’s Australian Imperial Forces in that they in the field on the 25th September 1918 joined in a mutiny by combining among themselves to disobey the orders of their superior officers in the execution of their duty”

Initially being sentenced to 1 year hard labour (13th October) after review or appeal it seems it was increased to 2 years (17th October). Possibly due to their skill as miners they were sent back to the front where they were needed at the same time their sentences were being finalised. After further reviews and postponements they were finally sentenced with loss of pay.

The whole ordeal seemed to be over an order previously given that all soldiers were to carry their pay books on them whilst on the front line. This is well documented and easy to find by searching 2437 Ulph in your search engine and it is well worth a read. A bizarre occurrence over a trivial matter with such a harsh sentence, which by the final outcome it seems was probably agreed with by some in command. One of the members charged was also a DCM winner.

EMB: 23rd November 1915 after enlisting in Geraldton Western Australia

WIA: 4th May 1916 (G. S. W. Rt. Arm) France. Due to poor admin there appears to conflicting dates so we can only go off the earliest dated entry. At some stage after his arm needs to be amputated due to this injury.

RTA: 3rd July 1917 and subsequently discharged in Western Australia as "medically unfit" due to amputation

Private Coopers service is best summed up in his own words whilst applying for a new discharge paper....

"I enlisted Adelaide 1917 and left for England the same year. I was then attached to the Army Medical. On arriving in France I was sent to 1st Aust. General Hosp. I stayed until we came back to England.

Unfortunately Private Littlers records are incomplete with one of his attestation papers recording his enlistment date as March 1918with an interesting comment stating previous service as "A.M.C. Hospital Ship 15 months still serving". Making his true enlistment around the end of 1916.

Previous service: 5 years RAMC & 2 years RE (Scotland). Not stated as operational, so it appears that it is militia service.

Enlisted on the 20th September 1915

RTA: 11th April 1916 (nursing duties)

Note: William Harry Bowie was a carpenter from Glasgow (Scotland) who had worked in the shipyards on the River Clyde for five years (Clyde Shipping Company). Bowie was living in Park Street, Kelvin Grove, Queensland when he enlisted in the A. I. F. Interesting fact on his Attestation he provides his Religion as being 'Socialist' and in one letter he states that he has spent the last eight years in China (1931)

Over the years he loses his Discharge Certificate "eaten by white ants in North Queensland" (1949) and his brass "Returned from Active Service" badge "stolen from his coat by a member in the cricket dressing room Mount Lawley” (WA 1958)

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Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star “8th Army”, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to WX14734 C E F SMITH

Private Cyril Edward Francis Smith, a dairy hand from Welshpool, WA, enlisted as a general reinforcement on 2 Jul 1941 posted to the 2/32ND AIF.

An original member of ‘D’ Company, he fought at Tobruk, the capture of ‘Trig 22’ and during the subsequent German armoured counter-attack at El Alamein. On the 1st November 1942 when the 24th Brigade relieved the 26th Brigade at ‘the saucer’, Private Smith was killed from German tank machine gun fire during the heaviest fighting

Lance-Sergeant Sherry a native from Ballarat, Victoria enlisted in 1941.

He joined the 2/5th Independent Company and sailed for Port Moresby, joining Kanga Force in 1942. Tasked to reconnoitre Japanese positions at Lae and Salamaua and to conduct raids against the Japanese.

On 30 Jun, the 2/5th raided Salamaua, killing over 120 Japanese for three Australian wounded.

In the following months, the 2/5th patrolled the Huon Gulf area. When the Japanese started to concentrate around Mubo in preparation for an attack on Wau, the 2/5th raided Mubo and ambushed Japanese troops moving inland. After the battle, the 2/5th carried out more long range patrols in the Markham Valley, before returning to Australia in May.

In July 1945 the 2/5th also took part in the landing at Balikpapan, Borneo.

Records show that Sgt Kenafick was part of a bomb disposal unit in LAE

EF $2200

Group of Five :1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Defence Medal, War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to W. 3060 S. L. SCORGIE with the stars being unnamed as often found.

Stoker Scorgie served on the HMAS Swan whilst in January 1942 it was lucky to escape when attacked by Japanese bombers. The HMAS Swan was then tasked to reinforce (Sparrow Force) in Timor where it was attacked by a force of 45 Japanese aircraft and again narrowly escaped. Whilst taking shelter in Darwin, Australia had its first attack on Australian soil and the HMAS Swan took indirect hits trying to escape the harbour. The HMAS Swan had 3 killed in action and 19 wounded.

VF SOLD

Group of Four :1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Both the War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to F. 5172 A. W. H. JOHNSON with the stars being unnamed as often found.

Seaman Johnson served on multiple Aux. Minesweepers including the HMAS Bendigo as the first Australian Minesweeper to take up duties between Milne Bay and Manus.

After New Guinea patrols, Seaman Johnson was deployed in various anti-submarine roles in the Philippine waters and then on to Hong Kong.

Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. All medals correctly named to NX104229 C. PARKER

At the time of listing these medals Claude Parker’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from TANK TRACKS The history of the 2/4th Australian Armoured (unit history);

Chapter: South Bougainville

“Two days later a jeep moving up to a forward company was ambushed, the crews went to ground and Tprs “Happy” Cole and Claude Parker moved forward with an infanteer to clear the ambush. Claude Parker was badley wounded in the right thigh”

Comes in box of issue and photocopy of above passage but further research is required

Group of Four:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to NX92525 P. HARRIGAN

At the time of listing these Signalman Harrigan’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 14th March 1942 into the Australian Army at Paddington, NSW

Discharged 2nd August 1946

Unit on discharge listed as “13 AUSTRALIAN LINE SECTION”

Note: A quick search on Peter Harrigan turns up the following description on his post war life ; “A cartoonist and illustrator, He lived in Sydney. He is notable for thinking up outstandingly good jokes, according to Blaikie (p.109). After winning the Jimmy Bancks Art Award in 1947 he studied overseas, returning to Australia in 1962. Art Gallery of Western Australia has four original illustrations for a serial dated 1953 acquired from the Sun-Herald , one at least being for an Agatha Christie story and all presumably sent back from overseas.

After joining the Sydney Morning Herald for two years (c.1962-64), Pete Harrigan became the leader page cartoonist on the Brisbane Courier Mail . He contributed to the Bulletin both before and after its takeover by Australian Consolidated Press in 1960, e.g. a not very good supermarket joke 1961 (illus. Lindesay 1979, 297); 'You’ve got to hand it to them; they’ve come a long way since the First Fleet’ (2 Aborigines watching a rocket launch) 1961 (ill. Coleman & Tanner, 183; Rolfe, 302, Swain 148); and The Hollidays [in a beatnik café]. '“Interesting, but I don’t think I’d like to be one!”’ published Bulletin 16 December 1959, original Mitchell Library (D491/81), included in 1999 b/w exhibition at the State Library of New South Wales” Design and Art online.

Group of Five:1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal, Australian Service Medal 39/45 and QE11 Coronation medal. First four medals correctly impressed to V145395 P. R. SMITH. Coronation medal un-named as issued.

Enlisted on the 5th January 1942 into the Australian Army Canteens Service for service in Port Moresby. Commissioned as Lieutenant shortly after.

Embarked 25th February1943 for PNG

Returned to Australia due to “Dengue” August 1943

Discharged 9th August 1944 as Captain.

Unit on discharge listed as “3 MD AACS”

Note: Records show previous service in WW1 with 36 H.A.G A.I.F. as regimental number 31424

Coronation medal came with the group and is not confirmed if it was awarded to Captain Smith or a relative.

Group 1; Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals correctly impressed to V280669 F W PYGALL

At the time of listing these medals Frank Pygall’s service records were still sealed. The following was taken from the WW2 nominal roll;

Enlisted 24h September 1941 Armidale Victoria

Discharged 28th January 1947

Unit on discharge listed as “115 HEIDELBERG MILITARY HOSPITAL”

Note: A quick trove search shows that on the 24th December 1943 Pte Pygall and a Pte Malvern were removed from being dangerously and seriously ill in the Infantry section of the casualty list. It appears he is still kept in hospital until being discharged in 1947, further research required

Group 2; Pair: War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Both medals correctly impressed to VFX128550 B. M. PYGALL

Note: Betty Pygall enlisted in the Australian Army Medical Women’s service, Heidelberg, Victoria which appears to be a classical romance story from taking care of a soldier in hospital.

Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to VX2446 R.A.K. Fairless (2/2nd Field Ambulance). Stars un-named as often found.

Click to expand

Five: Queens Korea, United Nations Korea (5/400270), GSM “Malaya” (5/3205), Vietnam Medal and Vietnam Star to 53205 T. H. Bromley with all medals correctly named (entitled to WWII pair for RAAF service, but records show they were not issued)

WX500452 PTE Thomas Henry Bromley, a plant operator from Coolgardie, WA, enlisted for service in BCOF on 7th March 1946. He had previously served as a 455032 LAC in the RAAF from Jul 1944 to August 1945, with 85 SQN, but was too young for overseas service. After service in Japan, he returned to Australia and was discharged in Jul 1948. He re-enlisted in Feb 1952 as 5/400270 and arrived in Korea for service with 3 RAR on 4 Oct 1952. 3 RAR was involved in patrolling no man’s land between opposing trench lines along the 38th parallel. 3RAR conducted trench raids, patrols and reconnaissance. Some minor skirmishes resulted in small gains or losses of territory, but overall the front line altered very little in this time, until the ceasefire on 27 Jul 1953. He took part in the ‘A’ Coy patrol under LT Smith, where 80 enemy were killed, for the loss of 7 KIA, 12 WIA (including Bromley, ‘hit by grenade while on patrol in face, right side of neck and right thigh’) and 7 POW. He left Korea on 6 October 1953 and was discharged in November. He re-enlisted in the A.R.A. on 11th February 1957 as a Private number 5/3205. He served in Malaya with 1 RAR from 1959-1961, then Vietnam from 27 May 65 to 11 Jun 66. He was discharged in July 1973, not being eligible for a Long Service Good Conduct Medal. The medals displayed here are his complete compliment of issued medals.

Private Bromley died in West Perth on 16 Dec 92, and was cremated at Karrakatta cemetery.

Note: Stoker Eric Francis served in the RAN on the HMAS Warramunga (14th Aug 1950-17th May 1951) and HMAS Bataan (18th May 1951-6th June 1951).

The Warramunga was an extremely active ship in Korea, the following extract shows an insight in to her operations;

“Late on 5 February Warramunga and USS Lind detached and proceeded north to 38° 05' on the coast where LIND had previously landed an intelligence party. This party had been captured by the North Koreans who, using the team’s equipment, arranged a rendezvous with LIND. Unbeknown to the enemy, their deception was discovered and the two destroyers planned an unpleasant surprise. Right on time the enemy showed the prearranged signal.

Warramunga’s commander commented ‘USS Lind asked me if light was bright enough for an aiming mark and I replied it could be brighter. The enemy obliged by turning up to full brilliancy. We then opened up as fast as we could fire. I expended 59 rounds 4.7 inch and LIND about the same amount. The light went out. Subsequent intelligence confirmed that one North Korean company, some North Korean police and a large Intelligence team who were assembled as a reception committee were mostly killed or wounded. As the range was less than 3,000 yards and the fire was extremely rapid the result was not surprising.”

Comes with original box of issue.

Near EF SOLD

RECENTLY SOLD

Group of Five :1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Defence Medal, War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to F. 4920 J. S. SUMMERS with the stars being unnamed as often found.

Seaman Summers served on the HMAS Melville (Darwin) during the last part of the Darwin raids. He also served on the HMAS Mercades (Aux. Minesweeper) and then on to the HMAS Heros in various anti-submarine roles.

Transferred from the 59th Bn to the A. G. H. (underage personnel) 27th September 1917

Transferred back to the 59th Bn from the 2nd Aust. Gen. Hosp. 12th August 1918

RTA: 30th September 1919

Note: It appears that Norman Sydney King served almost a year with the 59th Bn before they discovered he had lied about his age and subsequently sent him to the AGH underage personnel section until he came of age. This group also comes with Norman Sydney King's original medal box.

Note: Frederick Augustus Blyth was born in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia, in 1857. He was the son of Major-General F. S. Blyth, C.B., who commanded the 40th Foot when stationed in Australia. F.A. Blyth was commissioned Second Lieutenant, 40th Foot, in February 1875. He transferred to the 73rd Foot in December of the same year, before being posted as a Lieutenant to the Indian Staff Corps in January 1881.

Blyth was appointed a Squadron Officer of the 10th Bengal Lancers in January 1882, and served with the Regiment during the Zhob Valley Expedition of 1884. He served as Adjutant, January 1885 - February 1886, advancing to Captain in the latter year. He served as Major, and officiating Commandant of the Regiment for the campaign on the North West Frontier under Sir William Lockhart, with the Buner Field Force in 1898 (M.I.D. London Gazette 22 April 1898). He commanded the Regiment, October 1901 - May 1907, having been appointed Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel in June 1904. Blyth died in February 1919.

This group comes with a beautifully designed certificate of service outlining the following;

"Leslie Hilland Bruce Hudd was born in McLaren Vale, South Australia. A Lithographer by occupation and a member of the Public Service Rifle Club, he enlisted into the 9th Light Horse Regiment A.I.F. on 3 September 1915. He embarked for overseas service at Adelaide, aboard the Geelong, 18 November 1915, as part of the 12th Reinforcements to the 9th Light Horse and landed at Egypt. With the unit Hudd served in the raid on the Turkish outpost of Jifjafa in the Sinai, April 1916. On 5th August 1916 he served in the mounted attack on the Turks occupying the high ridge at Hamisah and on 9th August took part in the heavy fighting at Bir el Abd, where the light horsemen were attacked by near overwhelming numbers of Turks. The stubborn steadiness of the Light Horsemen, fighting throughout, in the heat of the day, saved the retreat from becoming a route. Casualties were heavy with eight officers and sixty-five other ranks killed and thirty-three officers and two hundred and ten other ranks wounded. In October 1916 Trooper Hudd was transferred to the H.Q. of the 3rd Light Horse. This unit later took part in the actions at Mazar, El Arish, Magdhaba and Rafa. His papers record that Hudd had several run-ins with authority - noting 'neglect of duty' in failing to clean his rifle, in May 1917 and 'failing to salute an officer', in August 1918. Hudd returned to Australia aboard the Delta on 2 August 1919."

Sergeant Charles William Mucklow a native from Nathalia, Victoria enlisted on 6 Jun 1940. The 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion fought as companies during the Syrian campaign, but when the Vichy French counter-attacked Merdjayoun on 15 Jun 1941, the 2/2nd regrouped to hold the Litani Bridge and prevent further enemy advance.

On 17 Jun, the 2/2nd participated in the attack on Fort Merdjayoun. French machine-gun fire quickly stopped the attack and the Australians suffered 27 killed, 29 captured, and 46 wounded.

In early 1942 the 2/2nd sailed on the Orcades reaching Oosthaven in Sumatra before going to Batavia. The troops aboard Orcades combined as ‘Blackforce’ to defend Java. The Japanese landed on Java on 28 February 1942. Blackforce went into action at Leuwiliang near Buitenzorg on 4 March fighting against the Japanese for two days but was ordered to lay down arms the day after Dutch surrender on the 8th of March. The majority of the 2/2nd survived the fighting and spent the rest of the war as prisoners. Of these, 258 men died, most while working on the Burma-Thailand railway.

Mucklow was part of Williams Force, who worked the Burma end of the railway. He died of beri beri at Tha Makham camp, Thailand, on 29 Jan 1944. His body was recovered at the end of the war and reinterred in the CWGC cemetery at Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Flight Sergeant Cripps a native from Glenferrie Vic, enlisted on the 7th of December 1940.

On 9 Jan 43, Cripps was tasked as bomb aimer aboard Lancaster W4371 of 12 Sqn, Bomber Command. The aircraft took off from RAF Station Wickenby, to carry out a mine laying operation in the Saint Peter’s Head area of the West Frisian Islands, near the Danish coast. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it the Lancaster and crew failed to return to base.

The crew was listed as missing in action, and an investigation determined the crew was killed in flying battle. Two other planes were also listed as missing at the same time.

Official report states “It is presumed to have been lost owing to enemy action over the target which it was detailed to attack”

Historian Alan Storr states “Following post war investigations and enquires, it was recorded in 1949 that the missing crew had lost their lives at sea”.

This is a rare Air Crew Europe Killed in Action group to an Australian and seldom seen on the market.

Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, War Medal (M.I.D.) and Australian Service Medal 1939/45 to an Officer of the 2/43rd Btn. AIF. War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to SX6994 R. B. Davis. Stars un-named as often found.

GROUP 1: Pair: British War and Victory Medal both correctly impressed to 14021 PTE J. CLARKE WORC. R.

Note: Unclear as to relationship of both groups but not father & Son. Medals came together and we do not split families

GROUP 2: Five: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to VX48050 L. L. CLARKE Stars un-named as often found with early issue.

Enlisted 4th July 1940 to 8th Battalion as V58019

Enlisted A.I.F. at Caulfield 30th July 1940 2/23rd Battalion

Embarked Sydney for the Middle East 8th March 1941

To Corps of Sigs Section 8th July 1941

To 2/23rd Battalion Garrison duty against Vichy French in Syria 19th February 1942

AWOL with 120 days detention and then posted on further operations in North Africa and service at Gaza and Palestine with the 2/23rd Battalion.

T/Sgt William John Whitford served with the English army in WW2 (service number 14922415), before enlisting into the Australian army and serving in Korea with 2 RAR

Comes complete with Australian Military Forces Certificate of Discharge (Korean overseas service of 1 year and 44 days). Royal Australian Regiment shoulder title, Ribbon Bar and both medal entitlement cards (WW2 and Korea) confirming all awards.

Comes with a copy of Dvr Hattons photo and profile of service (as pictured).

"Driver Samuel Howard Hatton (31692) enlisted on the 2nd October, 1916, and embarked on the 23rd December with the 9/25th F.A.B. He was in action with the 54th Siege Battalion near Nieuport, and also Polygon Woods, Ypres, Menin Woods, and the Passchendaele stunt. He was slightly gassed at the latter place, and returned to Australia on the 13th May, 1918.

Also comes with coronation roll, confirming that Samuel Hatton was an official guest at the coronation service.

An extremely rare WW1 group to an enlisted man with the QE11 coronation medal

Comes with an original letter of recommendation from Beaconsfield state school where he attended, dated 1907. Also an engraved watch presented to him by the 32nd Battalion Association in appreciation of his services as Honourary secretary 1-9-1936

Transferred to the 2nd Light Horse 29th August 1915 whilst on Gallipoli

Transferred again after Gallipoli to the 49th Bn. as an Officer.

Wins the Military Cross September 1916 "Mouquet Farm"

London Gazette 14th November 1916

RTA 16th April 1918

Captain Steeles WW2 record states that he was part of Eastern Command when he discharged after having been to the Pacific theatre of war.

A very important group to a soldier who rose through the ranks with the light horse in Gallipoli, recognised for his leadership and gallantry and then went on to serve overseas in WW2.

Complete with various silver pens, vesta, lighter and card case. All with initials or monogram.

Second group to the son of Captain Steele M.C.

Group of four 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star (late style period official engraved),War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal (officially impressed) to NX51099 R.B.Steele who served in the 2/6th Australian Armoured Regiment who with their tanks were involved in the actions at Buna and Sanananda.

He is noted on the roll of the Regimental book "The Vital Factor" which gives an excellent account of Australia's first tank action for WW2 in PNG making his group of 4 that much more interesting.

Complete with excellent photo, Discharge paper and one of his colour patches.

Six: 1939/45 Star, Africa Star (North Africa 1942-43), Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. Defence Medal, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to J. G. SISSONS R.A.N.V.R.Stars for Navy casualties, regardless of cause or location of death, were issued unnamed.

Enlisted in the RANVR in Sydney 20th May 1941 service number S/V95 (Sydney Volunteer 95)

Commenced training under the “Dominion Yachtsman Scheme” as a potential Officer

Embarked for the UK on the 16th October 1941

Between December 1941 to October 1942 saw service on the Minesweeper HMAS Collingwood, HMS Victory, Minesweeper HMS Llandudno, HMS King and back to the London Depot before making Sub Lieutenant 9th October 1942

Posted as Sub Lieutenant to the HMS Quebec for Combined Operations Depot Inveraray 15th November 1942

Posted to HMS Copra (Combined Operations Depot) 1st April 1943 and duty with the Motor Launch 1038 near North Africa

Sub Lieutenant Sissons was killed in action 11th July 1943 during raiding operations South of Syracuse, Mediterranean Sea as part of Operation “Husky” and the invasion of Sicily.

The crew of HDML1038 were tasked with undertaking “raiding operations” with members of the specially trained 41 Commando, Royal Marines. The objective of HDML 1038 was to land the Commandos south of Syracuse for a pre-emptive strike for when the main landing to occur after.

Sub Lieutenant Sissons is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial on Panel 84, Column 2 as his body was not recovered.

Note: Comes with Four Allied Military (Italy) 1 Lira notes, Female Relatives Badge numbered N3598, Mothers and Widows Badge numbered N1450 and the rare RAN Killed in Action next of kin gold lapel pin “This lapel pin is presented by the Chief of Navy in recognition that your loved one, who was a valued member of the Royal Australian Navy, died in Service. May you look upon this in remembrance and wear it with pride”

‘This man acted as stretcher bearer throughout the attack on Mt. St. Quentin near Peronne on 1 September 1918, and displayed a courage and devotion to duty which were of the highest order. Undeterred by incessant machine-gun and shell fire, he continued his work of rescuing the wounded, and he worked unremittingly until every casualty was removed from the field. During the operation his company trench was heavily shelled by 6.9s and among the casualties were two wounded men who had been buried. Though the bombardment still continued Tuckett, without hesitation, worked and dug these men out, tended their wounds, and carried them back to safety. His utter disregard for his own safety was instrumental in saving the lives of many of his comrades.’

Note: Victory medal was returned to sender in 1921 and in 1928 a new victory medal was sent out, hence the different unit naming on the Victory Medal (Not a broken group). A rare group to the Cyclist Corps

3165 Private Charles Albert Kemp embarked on the 18 January 1916 from Fremantle with the 28th Battalion AIF.

KIA 29th July 1916 Pozierres

Villers – Bretonneux Memorial

3252 Private Ryan’s witness report states ”Kemp was killed instantly by shell fire, during an attack at Pozierres on July 29th, 1915. I was near him when he was hit by a high explosive shortly after we had “stepped over”, He was terribly injured every limb being shattered. It was not possible to bury him, and we had to leave him in no man’s land, we could not bring him in, Enemy fire was to heavy. Ground was not held. He was about 5’7 well built , fair 33 years. Was a miner from Leonora, West Australia.” (Red Cross file AWM)

Note: Joseph Noble died on the 5th January 1928 at the Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick. According to the contents of a letter from the NSW State Trustees Office, Noble also had home service as a Private in the Australian Army Medical Corps.

Further information is given on a medical form (in his AIF record) stating “Was at the bombardment of Alexandria 1881 and Boxer Rebellion”. The AWM has Noble Able Seaman Noble embarking on the SS Salamis and returning on the SS Chingtu. The China medal roll states his medal was sent to the “C in C Australia 6 Feb 03”. Due to the Australian government not issuing all the China medals at this stage we are unsure if his medal was actually presented to him.

Looking further into the Royal Navy records there appears to be a J. Noble on the HMS Monarch for the Sudan campaign listed as the “Asst. Engr” which could possibly be himhowever this would make him ten years old (roughly) going off his enlist age given in the first world war. Further research is required.

Cpl Roberston was one of the 133 (AWM website) that in WW1 were recommended for The Victoria Cross (including those awarded). It seems in Robertsons case, that he got himself into a minor prank involving souveniring womens knickers. It could be argued that this stupid prank may well have cost him, his countries highest honour.

Interesting note: When one examines the Victoria Cross recommendations in the AWM, 233 recommendations are listed. Exactly 100 duplicate examples are amongst these (where a soldier has been resubmitted, or a variation is present). So the true number of people recommended for the Victoria Cross in WW1 was 133 (66 of these were awarded).

Due to his WW2 records being unopened (at this stage) we can only see an outline of his Africa service of which he served with the pay corp as a sergeant.

Francis appears to have changed his name to Eric (most likely due to his age) on enlistment in WW2 and this is backed up by his WW1 records that states that he has "No relatives living", The difference in age is roughly 5 years between the records and therefore can not be a son. These medals have all come together from a very old collection and is worthy of further research. A strong citation and a very impressive grouping.

The following extract was supplied by Paddys niece(in 1989)as part of paddy's story. There are four pages in total.

"Upon disembarkation at Alexandria the 2nd Division were transfered to the A.I.F. camp at MENA where further training was carried out prior to reinforcing the troops already on Gallipoli. On the morning of September the 2nd, 1915, the transport ship "SOUTHLAND", a vessel of 11,899 tons carrying 1600 men of the 21st BTN and "B" company of the 23rd BTN from Alexandria to Lemnos, was torpedoed in the AEGEAN SEA, causing a loss of one officer and 32 men.

It was during this action that Paddy saved the life of a soldier and was believed to have been recommended for a V.C. but a subsequent fight with a member of the provost corps saw an end to any award.

The troops were rescued by the hospital ship "NEURALIA" and other ships and were returned to Alexandria where they were regrouped and returned to Gallipolli arriving between the 6th - 8th of September, 1915.

The 23rd BTN relieved the 13th Light Horse Regiment at Lone Pine...... Paddy was evacuated from Gallipoli on the night of 12th December, 1915, with "A" party of the 6th Brigade where he returned to Egypt."

Ralph Thomas Gore was born in Glen Innes, NSW, on 4 October 1888. He was educated at Brisbane Grammar School and was called to the Queensland Bar in 1915. He was associate to Sir Samuel Griffith in 1915-16 and then served in the Artillery in WW1. He practised at the Queensland Bar 1919-24 and became Crown Law Officer in Papua in 1924. He was judge of the Supreme Court of Pupua 1928-42 and Judge of the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea 1945-62. He died in 1968.

As the CBE is an unnamed medal, one could easily acquire the medal to add to this important group.

A bank officer with the Commercial Bank of Australia from Northam, WA, enlisted on 21 Nov 1940, after service as a Lieutenant in the 11th Battalion of the Militia. As the original Second-in-Command of ‘B’ Company, 2/4th MG Bn.

Landing in Singapore in January 1942 with his company as support to the Manchester Fusiliers originally tasked with defending the naval base. From 8–15 of February, 137 men of 2/4th MG Bn were killed or missing, 106 wounded, and 24 suffered ‘shell shock’ from Japanese air, artillery and infantry attacks.

Upon the units surrender, he was marched to Changi with remnants of 2/4th MG Bn and spent the duration of the war in Adam Park and Changi. He was responsible for writing the unit’s War Diary and secretly kept a personal diary whilst a POW, hidden from the Japanese. Much of what we know about the 2/4th MG Bn during the Battle for Singapore was extracted from these diaries. He was recovered in 1945, and returned to WA, living in East Perth. He died in Floreat Park, WA, on 13 Nov 1970.

William Henry Francis Clarke a mill hand from Swanbourne, WA, enlisted on 7 Nov 1939. An original member of 2/11th Bn,

Private Clarke saw action at Bardia, Tobruk and Derna before the campaign in Greece.

On the 17th of April 1941 during a Luftwaffe airstrike on the withdrawal through Brallos Pass Private Clarke was tragically killed (being the first member of the Battalion killed in action in the Greek campaign). He was quickly buried by the side of the road and his body has not been recovered.

Seven; 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, War Medal, Australian Service Medal and Greek War Medal. All Australian medals correctly impressed to WX2246 G Sandercock,

A miner from Brookton, WA, Lance-Bombardier enlisted on 25 Apr 1940. He disembarked with 2/3rd Field Regiment at Gourock, Scotland on 17th June 1940 for training, where the 2/3rd was equipped with the new 25 Pounder. He arrived in Palestine on 31 Dec 1940, supporting the advance across North Africa to the frontier. Sandercock drove a truck shot up by enemy aircraft on 26th of February 1941. He embarked for Greece on 26 Mar 1941 In support of the New Zealanders they supported at Elasson on the 18th of April, at Erithrai on the 26th of April and at Porto Rafti on 27th of April 1941.

The 2/3rd lost 7 KIA, 17 WIA and 2 POW in Greece and destroyed their guns before the withdrawal to Crete on 3 Jun 1941. The 2/3rd was engaged against German paratroop landings at Suda and Retimo and covered the withdrawal to Sfakia prior to evacuation. Sandercock was amongst the final troops to be evacuated from Crete. The 2/3rd lost 20 KIA, 30 WIA and 126 POW on Crete.

After recuperating back in the Middle East, the 2/3rd returned to Australia on 25 Mar 1942. Sandercock landed with the 2/3rd at Aitape on 17 Oct 1944, remaining until the end of the war, returning from Wewak on 20 Sep 1945. Discharged on 30 Oct and died in Melville, WA on 7 Oct 1976.

Group of Seven : 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45, Australian Service Medal 39/45 and Australian Service Medal 1945/75 two clasps “SW Pacific & Japan”. All WW2 medals are correct to period style naming to NX52611 J P HALL. The ASM 45-75 is correctly named to NX502108 J P HALL due to reenlistment.

Enlisted 4th July 1940 and after training taken on strength with the 2/33rd Battalion (2nd reinforcements)

Embarked Sydney for the Middle East 3rd February 1941

13th March – 23rd May 1941 operations Egypt to Palestine

8th June – 14th January 1942 operations in Syria against the Vichy French

Embarked Suez and arriving in Australia 10th March 1942

Promoted to L/CPL and embarked for Port Moresby for operations against the Japanese including theKokoda Track 31st August 1942

Wounded in Action 14th October 1942 near Templeton’s Crossing

Several attacks of Malaria find Corporal Hall back in Australia before he embarked for Balikpapan 25th June 1945 (assault landings).

RTA: 23rd December 1945 and discharged 14th January 1946

Re-enlisted 18th March 1946 and served with the 65th Infantry Battalion BCOF Japan

Discharged 17th May 1948

Note: Comes with a copy of Colonel Neil C. Smith’s research and service record. Mounted as worn.

Trio: Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Military Medal is name erased, British War Medal and Victory Medal are correctly impressed to 3802 CPL. D. M. Baldwin 12 Bn. AIF.

Cpl Baldwin embarked on 17th December 1915 (not entitled to star).

WIA GSW Head and Arm 6. 9.1916

2nd WIA Left Thigh 10. 6. 1917

It was at this stage it appears that Cpl Baldwin wins his Military Medal at Messines with the 52nd Battalion. This is when the C.O. Lt. Col Pope is wounded. There is no clear citation for Cpl Baldwin only the London Gazette date of 20 December 1917.

This is a rare award to a double WIA soldier to the Western Australian branch of the 52nd Battalion.

SOLD

Four: Military Medal with second award Bar, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. Military Medal correctly impressed 2135 L.CPL C.L. COOPER. 20/AUST: INF. PTE on 1914/15 STAR and SGT on British War and Victory Medal.

Emb. 1 August 1915

WIA 6th May 1916 "Bomb Wounds"

WIA 2nd Occasion 20 July 1916 Shrapnel wounds to his Right Leg and Face

Award Military Medal 19th March 1917

WIA 3rd Occasion 5th May 1917 G.S.W left leg.

KIA 13th October 1917.

Award of Bar to the Military Medal 14th October 1917

This group is to a true fighting ANZAC. Not only is he wounded in action three times before he is killed in action, his Military Medal and Bar citations do not incorporate the actions in which he is wounded.

Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 1939/45. Both stars are in typical Navy chisel engraving, with the War Medal and ASM being impressed to F. 3105 J. N. FARRELL

Seaman Farrell served on multiple ships including the HMAS Manoora in 1940 (the Manoora seized Norwegian and Italian vessels early in the war). He was also serving in the Sydney harbour during the Japanese submarine attack at HMAS Penguin before serving on the Bathurst class Corvette the HMAS Geelong.

At the end of the war Seaman Farrell served on the HMAS Diamentia taking the surrenders at Torokina, Nauru and Ocean Island. This was a small ship and as all three surrenders were conducted on her quarterdeck, he was most likely involved.

Gunner Skipp enlisted into the Royal Marine Artillery in 1905 (underage) serving on the following ships (in order); Hibernia, Magnificent, London, Collingwood and the Royal Sovereign until the end of the First World War.

In Australia, Alfred Leonard skip enlisted on the 6th November 1940 and served as a sergeant on staff with Western Command (WA) for the whole period of the Second World War.

Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal all correctly named to WX3338 T. T. Lewis

Major Travers Thorold (Peter) Lewis, an architect from Cottesloe, WA, enlisted on 1 May 1940 having previously served in the Militia in the RAE from 1935.

On the outbreak of war he was appointed as a Captain in the 2/2nd Field Company, then on the 14th November he was given command of the 2/6th Field Park Coy,

He embarked on to Malaya in Jun 1941, and the unit was based in Malacca in support of the two Field Engineer Company’s 8th Division located with the 27th Bde, Segamat sector.

He was promoted to Major on 24th December and after the 2/30th Battalion ambush at Gemas on 14th January 1942, 27th Bde conducted a fighting withdrawal to Singapore. The 2/6th Fd Park Coy suffered casualties from Japanese artillery and air attacks, before withdrawing to Singapore on the 9th February. A further six men of the 2/6th were killed prior to the 8th Division surrendering to the Japanese and the survivors imprisoned in Changi.

Whilst in the Changi camp he played a role in designing the Chapel before being shipped to Borneo on the Ume Maru with ‘B’ Force in July, arriving in Sandakan.

Major Lewis was tasked with building an airfield at Sandakan. The design and construction of the runway was sabotaged and deliberately delayed by the prisoners. The Kempeitai suspected him of being involved in intelligence activities and he was sent to Kuching and jailed for the remainder of the war.

When finally recovered he was suffering malnutrition and temporary blindness and was hospitalized before returning to Australia via Morotai. He was discharged in January 1946, one of 145 WA POW transported to Borneo, and one of seven to have survived. He was one of only three of the 2/6th Fd Park Coy to survive Borneo, with the remainder dying at Sandakan 1 and 2 camps, or on death marches. He returned to architecture post war, and died in Cottesloe, WA on 6 Apr 1955

EF SOLD

Group of Four : Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. All medals impressed to 68012 K. E. Mills.

Sgt Mills was posted to the Overseas Headquarters and his records show that he was not issued or entitled to a 1939/45 star.

A confidential report was made on Sgt Mills stating he had "Radical ideas" and "Communistic principles". A very interesting group with the rare Italy star, only 3200 being issued to the Airforce and seldom impressed.

Interesting to note that his occupation in 1916 was as a Motor Driver. Also mentioned in Neville Browning's "The 52nd Battalion A. I. F." page 159 "The enemy bombardment constantly damaged the signal line from Brigade and Battalion Headquarters to the front line companies...... Whenever the lines were broken, runners had to deliver messages by hand and Privates E.J. O'Neill and G.A. Thornbury were awarded Military Medals for this work"

Accidently wounded (shell wound hand) 25th May 1917 at the ANZAC instructional school (field). Board of inquiry ruled it was due to the school using bad/dated munitions

Awarded Military Medal 14th May 1919 (London Gazette)

RTA 21st July 1919

Private Gartner was awarded the Military Medal near Villers Carbonnel in August 1918 whilst attending to the wounded in the open under heavy machine gun and artillery. His records go on to show a congratulatory card issued by the General Officer Commanding the 4th Army for "the conspicuous manner in which you conducted yourself on the battlefield in the face of the enemy" this is dated 2nd of October 1919. Unfortunately congratulatory cards are not always recorded and other than the letter acknowledging it (in his file) we may never know exactly what action it is for. The congratulatory card post dates the Military Medal so could be considered a second award.

Single; Maori War medal to Private William Williamson, 1st Waikato Regiment, killed in action at Titi Hill, Mauku, in October 1863, a native of Bendigo, Victoria. reverse undated with the naming engraved in the correct period style to W. Williamson, Pr. 1st Waikato Regt

On the morning of the 23rd October 1863 firing was heard in the direction of Bald Hills. Lieutenant D. H. Lusk, who commanded the church stockade, sent out two scouts to reconnoitre. They discovered Maoris shooting cattle in the valley between the hills. On receiving their report Lieut. Lusk sent to the river stockade for reinforcements and at the same time dispatched a mounted orderly to Drury. The river stockade was in charge of Lieut. J. S. Perceval, an impulsive and inexperienced young officer. Disobeying his orders to join the church garrison he led a party of 13 men to the right, heading for the crest of Titi Hill, hoping to take the Maoris in the rear. The Maoris came skirmishing over the hill and rapidly outflanked Perceval’s party on both sides, pinning them down in some felled timber. About this time they were joined by Lieut. T. Norman who had just returned from Drury with the men’s pay.

Lieut. Lusk, observing the predicament of Lieut. Perceval, led his men in a foray up Titi Hill to join him. A desperate close-quarter battle followed, with repeated charges by about 150 Maori warriors. It was during this hand to hand fighting that the Militia casualties occurred; first Lieut. Perceval fell, then Lieut. Norman and several of the men. Falling back and clearing his right flank Lusk got his men into the cover of the bush. Retiring in good formation keeping to the cover of the forest and maintaining accurate shooting by sections, the party reached the church stockade without further casualties.

The fight was broken off and the Maoris headed for the Waikato River taking their wounded with them. Their dead were estimated at 30. During all this time the mounted orderly was having trouble convincing the Imperial officers in charge at Drury of the state of affairs at Mauku. Finally they dispatched two companies of Waikato Militia who arrived at Mauku that evening - too late to be of assistance.

An early morning reconnaissance discovered the bodies of the slain Militiamen, stripped and laid out in a row. They had all been tomahawked and a white haversack on a stick had been erected to mark their location.

Those killed were: Lieutenants John Perceval and Thomas Norman, Corporal M. Power, Privates W. Beysick, George O’Born, Farquhar McGillavray, and William Williamson, all of the 1st Waikato Regiment, and Private William Worthington of the Forest Rifles. Worthington was buried at Mauku but the bodies of the others were taken to Drury for burial where, in the overgrown churchyard of St. John’s, is still standing the forlorn monument to Australia’s first war dead which was erected by their comrades of the 1st Waikato Regiment (Ref. Australians in the Waikato War, L. L. Barton, Sydney, 1979).

Lieut. Perceval, Corporal Power and Privates Beysick and Williamson were all natives of Bendigo, Victoria. As the 1st Waikato Regiment was raised in Australia, Private Williamson with his three other comrades are classed as the very first casualties for Australia. Clive Johnsons “Australians Awarded” states that there were 826 Australians that served with the 1st Waikato Regiment and only 197 of these medals were issued. This may be the only medal out of the first (four) Australians killed and thus a culturally important medal.

Sold with further details including the roll of the 1st Waikato Regiment awarded the medal under the terms of N.Z.Gazette No. 63 of 1869, and copies of official correspondence to his brother who claimed his estate and to whom this medal was issued in 1872.

Ernest Edward Buckleton was born in Tinonee New South Wales in 1867. At a young age Ernest enlisted in the Naval Artillery Volunteers and then transferred to the NSW Ambulance Corp (Sudan Contingent).

The New South Wales Ambulance Corp consisted of only 37 members of which Ernest was a stretcher bearer. The "Evening News" newspaper dated Saturday 11th July 1885 has Ernest reciting the "Charge of the Six Hundred" prior to his departure at the benefit concert.

After returning from the Sudan, Ernest became involved in the Rubber industry and become the Managing Director of Rubber Co. This position had Ernest moving around the world with his base being in London. At the outbreak of WW1, Ernest again answered the call and as he was based in the UK, he joined the Sherwood Foresters in August 1915. serving as a Captain in France.

Note: Australians Awarded by Clive Johnson states that only 10 groups to the NSW Ambulance Corp are known to exist in either Museums, Collections or with family.

Note: The Sportsmen's 1000 was a recruiting drive encouraging young men to join with their sporting team. The drive promised the team would stay together and fight together. This group also comes with Laurence Taylor's dog tag.

Five: Air Force Cross, 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and New Zealand Service Medal. Air Force Cross dated 1940. Service medals unnamed as issued.

Born in Nanango Queensland in 1908, Wng Cdr Tancred’s family soon moved to New Zealand where he was raised. When the Mau uprising occurred in Samoa (1930), Tancred enlisted as number 45 in the Samoa Military Police. It was not long before the Mau uprising had ended in a truce and Tancred departed for the UK to join the Air Force. After passing his pilots course he was posted to Egypt and Iraq. Then in 1935 he returned to New Zealand to fly for Union Airways as well as flying with the RNZAF in the lead up to the war.

When the war broke out, Wng Cdr Tancred was appointed OC of the Air Gunners & Air Observers School at Ohakea and It was in this early stage that Tancred won his Air Force Cross, distinguishing himself as an early leader in the RNZAF.

Wng Cdr Tancred went on to become the commanding Officer at Woodbourne base and also to command bases in Guadalcanal and Bougainville. It would be hard to believe that any New Zealand pilots could go through service in WW2 without coming under Wng Cdr Tancreds command at some stage and in 1979 the New Zealand Postal Service honoured him on a limited edition first Day cover.

Also included with the medals are the following;

1. A Walker & Hall Sheffield, silver plated presentation tray with inscription: ‘502 (Ulster)(Bomber) Squadron presented to Flying Officer Tancred by the Commanding Officer and Officers 502 (Ulster)(Bomber) Squadron on the occasion of his marriage February 1935’, with engraved signatures.

2. Both Commission certificates for the RAF (1932) and RNZAF 1936. Note; The NZ commission paper is in the authority of Edward VIII who abdicated

3. Letter from government house inviting Wng Cdr Tancred to accept his AFC from the Governor General dated 1942

4. Two Sterling Silver Cigarette Cases. One is a beautiful early enamel case with ‘RAF’ insignia and engraved inner ‘To Louise from Tank 25-12-34’

5. A Silver Gelatin Print of Harry Lumsden Tancred with inscription: ‘Here’s looking at you love from Tank 10-11-40’

Petty Officers bullion hat badge, Original photograph in uniform, True copy of certificate of service, Original telegram to family offering sympathy for the loss of their son on HMAS Sydney.

Finally the jewel in the crown, is his original substantial diary describing life on the Sydney between the dates of 18 April 1940 to 30 December 1940. Including his description of the Bartolomeo Colleoni action. There is also a large quantity of research.

This is one of the best documented HMAS Sydney groups ever to be seen on the market. The diary adding that true personal touch.

This is confirmed with the Address on the outside matching the application form in his file written by Mrs J. H. Rhodes (his widow).

Records show Dvr Rhodes embarked on the 21.10.1914 with the 1st Light Horse Brigade Headquarters on board the HMAT Devonha at Gallipoli. The next entry shows on 14/7/1915 that he was sent to an English hospital with pneumonia and eventually discharged on the 3.3.1916 in Melbourne.

In WW2 he re-enlisted under the number VX101214 with the Auxiliary Horse Transport Coy as a SGT.

Along with an Ivory pass token “ROYAL ACADEMY ANTIQUE SCHOOL 1768” reverse “Admitted 1st Term of 3 years, 28th Janý 1909 R. Longstaff”

Military Cross was awarded in the 1917 New Year’s Honour List which unfortunately have no citations available. Captain Longstaff was personally presented the award by the King on the 22nd January 1918 at Buckingham Palace. The Australian newspapers report his award was for Bravery in the field, Somme. Whilst serving in the 28th Battalion, London Regiment (Artists Rifles), attached to the 8th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment.

Ralph grew up in Victoria the eldest son of the famous Australian Artist Sir John Longstaff and an outstanding artist in his own right. In 1908 Ralph won the “Graphic” prize for drawing amongst the various art schools in London and in 1910 he won a further award for the coronation design for public buildings.

As the two artists in the family, the bond between John and his son Ralph was unquestionably close, shown in the following article;

“John Longstaff lost one son In the war. Later on he received a War Office telegram in London announcing that another son, Ralph, was lying dangerously wounded in Rouen hospital. He himself had a military commission as a war artist, and also worked in the hospitals. He rushed across to Boulogne without waiting to obtain the necessary papers, and on the Boulogne station was arrested by a military guard. Seeing the 'train for Rouen just going out, he made a desperate dash, and risking a bullet in the back from the guard, he jumped aboard the train and got clear off. At Rouen he stood by his son's bedside. Ralph Longstaff was severely wounded, but he recovered. After the war John Longstaff painted a splendid portrait of Ralph in uniform, with the blue armband denoting a wound and hospital leave. The portrait was bought in 1921 by the Sydney National Gallery” Smith’s Weekly 18th April 1927

The above portrait of Ralph by his father was exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1921. The Argus 21st January 1922 article states “It is considered the finest work that Longstaff has done”.

Portrait of my Son (Jack Longstaff) by Sir John Longstaff .Inscribed verso 'not for public sale', this is a deeply personal image that Longstaff had painted for himself rather than for public exhibition (AWM)

2nd Lieutenant Jack Campbell Longstaff served in the 1st/5th Bn York & Lancaster Regiment, Initially enlisting as number 2553 before being commissioned 30th June 1915.

Jack was with his regiment engaged in the offensive on the Somme where he was wounded on July 3rd 1916, but continued in action. On July 7th, when leading a bombing party he was again wounded. It was from this action that he was never seen again and eventually reported as killed in action.

Note: Medals to three brothers, the sons of James and Elizabeth Armstrong, of Gossings, Road Head, Carlisle, England:

Richard Armstrong was born in Carlisle, Cumberland, England. A Carpenter by occupation, he attested for the Australian Imperial Force at Sydney, N.S.W. on 24 August 1914. Serving with the 2nd Battalion A.I.F. in Gallipoli, he was wounded in action at Gallipoli during the period 28 April-2 May 1915 - suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Evacuated to a hospital in Cairo, then Alexandria, he was at length invalided to Netley Hospital in England. He died there on 27 July 1915, aged 32 years and was buried in Netley Military Cemetery. With copied service papers.

George and W. Armstrong were the twin brothers of Richard Armstrong who enlisted together, as evidenced by their consecutive service numbers. Driver George Armstrong, 16th Battery, 6th Brigade, Australian Field Artillery, died on 30 October 1918, aged 28 years. He was buried in Etretat Churchyard Extension, Seine-Maritime, France.

Group of Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939/45 and Australian Service Medal 39/45. Both the War Medal and ASM are correctly impressed to S6294 C. W. SUSSMAN with the stars being unnamed as often found on early issues.

Seaman Sussman served on multiple ships during his service including the HMAS Adelaide in May to July 1942, when the Adelaide was docked at Garden Island for a refit, during the Japanese midget sub attack of 31 May 1942.

In November 1942, Adelaide, along with the Dutch cruiser HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerk and the Australian corvettes Cessnock and Toowoomba, escorted a convoy across the southern Indian Ocean. On 28 November, the ships spotted an unidentified vessel, which claimed to be the Norwegian merchantman Taiyang Officers aboard Adelaiderecognized the ship as the German Blockade Runner Ramses, but did not receive a response to their challenging until two boats were lowered from the ship, followed by the sound of an explosion from a scuttling charge. Adelaideopened fire, hitting with the third salvo onwards, and continued shooting until Ramsessank eight minutes later, then recovered the Germans from the boats.

Seaman Sussman then went on to serve on the HMAS Yandra, Koopa, Moreton, ML 430 (Fairmile B class), Shropshire among others and finally discharging on the HMAS Rushcutter (previously HDML 1321). It appears that he was working on the Harbour Defence Motor Launch’s (HDML) which would work as patrol boats assigned to do reconnaissance work, these ships provided vital support for missions around New Guinea and the islands , including a mission which involved launching of four folding kayaks with eight Z Special commandos. One area mentioned on several occasions in Sussman’s records is “Ko Adang” in Thailand.

A good researcher with an understanding of naval records could possibly follow the dates and ships listed in his service record to see exactly his involvement in these raids. The AWM website has quite a few of the patrol reports available to the public as well. This is a very interesting group to an outstanding sailor.

Note: The ML-430 was sunk by gunfire from HMAS ML 819, after being mistaken for the conning tower of a Japanese submarine, north of Biak, New Guinea on 14 August 1944

John Leo Stanley Bridges occupation was classed as a "Wool appraiser" for "The Australian Woollen Mills". John Bridge & Co. Est. 1869 was one the leading wool brokers in NSW, of which he is unquestionably related.

The service number and Commonwealth Horse stamping (both impressed) is very clear. As there is only one soldier in the Commonwealth Horse with that number, it can only be Pte Walter Arnott Brooke from Tasmania.

On close examination you can see the surname Brooke under magnifying glass. A good chance to buy a rare Tasmanian QSA at a fraction of the cost.

An excessively rare and historically important pre federation Western Australian GOLD Police 1897 Jubilee/Long Service Medal and engraved presentation gold Waltham pocket watch. Both presented to Inspector E.G.Back (Fremantle).

Three very important aspects of the medal need to be borne in mind. Firstly, it is a unique and extremely rare commemorative medal. Secondly, it is in addition a long service and good conduct medal, the eligibility being limited to members of the Force “of long service and good character”. Thirdly, in regard to point two, it was the first official medal of that kind ever struck for any organisation of any type in Australia.

Born in Fremantle in 1839, Edward George Back is truly one of the "first West Australians". Son of a Master Mariner (who was the pilot in Fremantle Harbour and Rottnest) and spent 30 years in the WA Police Force. Included in this lot are an illuminated colour invitation to the "Australian Commonwealth Celebrations 1901", An illustrated invitation from the Government of Western Australia for the Royal Visit 1901 and an official letter relating to same.

This is the only GOLD Medal of the 10 awarded that is known to survive. For some further details, please visit http://policewahistory.org.au/html_pages/Gold_medal.html

THERE IS SO MUCH INFORMATION ON TROVE FOR SUB-INSPECTOR FOWLER THAT WE HAVE COMPRISED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS ONLY THE START OF RESEARCH

After Frederick Fowler completed his service in New Zealand he was asked by the New South Wales Mounted Police to join. One Newspaper article reports the dismay of the other police at the time in the recruiting of a soldier. Australians in the Waikato War by Barton show his as the only medal sent out to the Mounted Police Force.

Rising through the ranks Fowler had an extraordinary career catching many Bushrangers, quelling mining riots and can even be found in the company of Senior sergeant Fitzpatrick (of Ned Kelly fame) in Clarendon at the time that they were hunting the Kelly Gang.

ISM London Gazette date June 26, 1908. The ISM was awarded to Sub –inspector Fowler who rendered special service at the Araluen riots and during the maritime and mining strikes.

During the Araluen riots the crowd “were armed with revolvers, which they were determined to use, lives would have certainly have been lost. Thirty-two revolvers, we understand, were taken from this body by the police”. FREEMANS JOURNAL SYDNEY SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 1870

Below is a list that we have found (so far) of the names of Bushrangers that the newspapers credit Fowler with catching. Some use different Alias’s and may be the same person who changed his name across the state borders.

WILLIAM SLEIGH

FRANK QUI(N)LAN

CLARENCE (RIVER) BUSHRANGER

A BUSHRANGER USING THE ALIAS “WARD”

BOMBALA MURDERER

GRAFTON BOY BUSHRANGER

SLY THE RICHMOND

TASMANIAN LYNCH

JACK-IN-THE-BOX

Important note: The Indian Mutiny medal is a self-award and the clasp has been modified (possibly in the colony) to say “CENTRAL INDIA”. There may be a temptation to exclude this medal from the already impressive group, but especially since this group has come directly from the family, we felt that it tells an extra part of his story. Period records suggest that as a boy he was in the Mauritius police for some time and also worked on the boats before settling in Australia and such, he may have even done something that made him believe he was entitled to it.

Note: Comes with his 98 page diary filled out completely from Blackboy Hill until his discharge. On the day of his wounding he had the following to say “Fritz tried to break through but failed. He put over a very heavy Barage, and I had the luck to get a backslash wound in the upper part of the left arm between 10 & 11 o’clock in the morning.”

A very extensive diary with all places, attacks and timings entered down to the hour.

On the 20th September 1916 Private Rodger was charged with desertion. He was found not guilty (as a guilty sentence resulted in a firing squad and Australia did not execute its men). His charge was downgraded to "absent without leave" and was sentenced to 2 years hard labour. After he served his time, private Rodger returned to active duty on the front line and was wounded in action.

WIA 8th August 1918 Shrapnel wound (knee)

RTA 11th February 1919

Comes with a newspaper clipping of his death in 1970 and a large original photo.

Taken on strength of the 2/28th BN and embarked on the 4th Jan. 1940 for the Middle East.

After more than two years’ service in the Middle East including Tobruk (April-August 1941), Private Ryan was discharged medically unfit due to dysentery and fever (along with other symptoms). He also states the location where the symptoms first occur was “Tobruk”

MM (GVI) and WWII group of six to WX1822 Corporal John Torrens Snelling all medals correctly impressed. A painter from Northam, WA, he enlisted on 4 Mar 1940, as one of the 2/11th Bn reinforcements reallocated to raise the Australian 25th Brigade in the UK. An original member of ‘B’ Company, 2/31st Bn, he took part in the 2/31st Bn defence of Mersa Matruh in Apr-May 1941, then the advance into Lebanon in June. During the Battalion’s first engagement with the enemy at Khirbe, during the capture of Merdjayoun, B and D companies were caught by surprise in the open by a Vichy French fireplan, leaving many wounded men without cover. As a driver, he made numerous trips forward, initially by vehicle, then on foot, rescuing at least eight men. He was recommended for the immediate award of the DCM, but subsequently awarded an immediate MM for his extreme bravery in crossing the fire swept ground in front of the well-defended enemy position. Merdjayoun was eventually captured, for the loss of 16 killed and 34 wounded and was the first of WX2437 PTE James Heather Gordon of B Coy’s actions cited, for which he was awarded the first West Australian VC of the war. He took part in the capture of Jezzine, and was wounded in action by a shell blast during the Vichy counter-attack on 16 Jul, leaving him partially blind. He returned to Australia with the 2/31st in Jan 1942 and was transferred to the 2/1st Guard Bn, serving in New Guinea and Morotai until the end of the war. He returned to WA and was discharged in Sep 1945, worked as a painter for the WA Government Railways until retirement, and died in Como, WA, on 27 May 1991. (group swing mounted as worn, on original ribbons. Includes original portrait photo in uniform, original colour patch, and his RAS Badge)

GROUP 1: FOUR: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 1393 PTE R. WILLIAMS 32/BN AIF. Death plaque correctly named to ROBERT WILLIAMS

EMB: 18th November 1915 with the 32nd Battalion.

Transferred to the Camel Corps on the 24th January 1916. Previous occupation “Jockey”

It appears Private Williams was severely injured by a “Defective Cap” which caused a “Compound Fracture of Radius…B. W. Forearm” whilst on duty with the Camel Corps on the 15th March 1916 at Assuit

He was further invalided to Australia to recover on the 24th June 1916

Admitted to 8th A.G. Hospital (Subiaco, Western Australia) 14th February 1917 “Delirium Tremens” and died a few days later. Cause of death stated as “Cerebro Spinal Meningitis”

Note: As his death was war related and as he was still serving this is a rare example of a soldier receiving a Death Plaque even though his died in Australia.

Liberated Changi POW's

GROUP 2: Four: 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star. War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939/45 all medals correctly impressed to WX16956 R. S. WILLIAMS

Robert Sydenham Williams (known as “Thirsty Bob”) enlisted 8th October 1941 and was taken on strength with the 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion 30th December 1941

Sailed for Singapore 16th January 1942 and was attached to E Company 1 platoon of the Special Reserve Battalion (all Machine Gunners) under the command of Major Bert Saggers.

He was recovered at Changi Gaol Camp on the 4th September 1945. Returning to Sydney from Singapore via Darwin on the Hospital Ship Oranje, then by train to Perth to 110 Military Hospital with Berri Berri (Malnutritian).

Discharged 4th April 1946

Note: Major A. E. Saggers wrote the book “To Hell and Back” which may give further incite. Also comes with masonic medal dated 1938 to R. Williams

PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 2838 PTE W. B. PEBEROY 34/BN.

Previous service (no star) ENL. 4th Nov 1915

Discharged 14th Dec 1915 (varicose veins)

EMB: 25th Nov 1916 4thBN

Transferred 34thBN 10th Aug 1917

RTA: 11th Jan 1919

GOOD VF SOLD

Single; Crimea medal one clasp "Alma". Officially Impressed to J. YOUNG 55th REGT. On the roll as wounded in Alma and subsequently died at Scutari in 1854.

Comes with a letter home of 4 pages of stop start writing, almost like a diary where he describes the arrival of the wounded from the Charge of the Light Brigade to Scutari. Also included is an official disbursement of his assets, An official letter regarding the medal plus an Official envelope addressed to his Sister in Easey Street Collingwood Melbourne Australia.

A choice Crimea to a casualty with extremely rare Ephemera and a bonus Australian connection.

3471 Private Herbert Lionel BURGOYNE, a 35 year old Labourer from Elmore, Victoria.

VF SOLD

Four: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Tribute Medal. First three medals all correctly named to 3052 L/CPL. J. CAIN 8 BN A.I.F. (24th BN on BWM & VM).

Tributemedal, Obverse. "Romsey and district. Victoria. Reverse, He responded to his countrys call 1914-18 "Presented to J. Cain A.I.F. in recognition of his service abroad in the great war for freedom"

Emb. 26th November 1915

DCM recommendation (downgraded to M.M.) 30th August 1918

WIA 1st September 1918 Gassed

RTA 31st March 1919

London Gazette 14th May 1919

An extremely scarce combination with this beautifully produced quality tribute medal.

Good VF SOLD

Four: Military Medal, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal all correctly named to 2915 PTE. J. H. WARD 6 BN A.I.F.

Emb. 1 July 1915

DCM recommendation (downgraded to M.M.) 12th/13th June 1916

Military Medal recommendation (second citation) for the 30th October 1917 Zonnebeke

WIA 26th December 1917. Multiple gun shot wounds

London Gazette 27th June 1918

RTA 20th September 1918 Medically unfit

This is an outstanding double citation Military Medal group with his first citation stating he killed a German with a knob-kerry in the trenches, however it appears that this was too gruesome and there is a clear line through the comment. On the 30th June 1917 at a Coy parade (field) Pte Ward struck a superior officer calling him "A bloody bastard" amongst other things and received 90 days. As his first MM still had not been awarded the second citation is not for a bar to his MM but simply a recommendation for an MM. Could his failure to receive a bar be a mistake or the result of his charge?

Victory medal returned to sender and then re-sent to him (NOT A DOUBLE ISSUE)

There can be no doubt that this soldier was a tough man and certainly lives up to the fighting Anzac spirit.

GROUP 1: Trio: 1914/15 star, British War and Victory Medal all correctly impressed to 3723 PTE. R. EDDY 7/BN AIF.

EMB: 23RD November 1915 (18 years old)

Transferred to the 60th Battalion on the 18th March 1916

REPORTED MISSING: 19TH July 1916

Board of enquiry concluded that Private Richard Eddy was shot through the head in "the charge" of July 19th at Fleurbaix. His body was sadly left in no-man's land. See Red Cross file on AWM website.

Group 2: Pair: British War and Victory Medal both correctly impressed to 4799 PTE. R. EDDY 38 BN AIF.

EMB: 21ST June 1917 (29th Bn)

Transferred to 38th Bn. 18th December 1917

WIA: 26th August 1918 "S. W. left arm"

RTA: 4th July 1919

Note: It appears Robert answered the call to arms after he learnt of the death of his brother Richard. A sad story of two fighting brothers. Robert Eddy's medals were returned to sender in 1923 and re-sent in 1928.

Clarence Potts enlisted 8th September 1914 as a Private number 553 with the 13th Bn (later being commissioned with the 45th Bn having come up through the ranks).

Proceeded to join M.E.F. Gallipoli and in his own words from his service record "Landed Gallipoli 25th April 1915" and "In rear-guard at evacuation"

Records state the following "3/12/1915 to be Lance Corporal. Heart complaint in Greek Hospital. Wounded." (This shows possibly another wound at Gallipoli making it a total of three wounding's)

WIA: France 8th August 1916 (G.S.W. back and arm) and also states (multiple Gunshot wounds, severe)

2nd WIA: 17th August 1918 (Multiple bomb wounds)

MILITARY CROSS. L.G.: 29th November 1918 C.G.: 23th May 1919 'For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership in an attack. He led his company with great skill, capturing 150 prisoners and a battery of 5.9 guns. Later, after making a daring reconnaissance he advanced his line 2,000 yards and consolidated his position under heavy fire. He set a splendid example of coolness and determination to his company'

R.T.A. 1st May 1919.

WW2. NX12434 Captain Potts Enlisted 20th May 1940

Taken POW at the fall of Singapore and Interned by the Japanese in a Malay camp for over three and a half years.

Returned to Australia after the Japanese surrender arriving in Sydney 29th October 1945.

Comes with research, photocopies of service records, an extract from the War Diary of Alexandria Hospital Malaya 14th February 1942 giving explicit details of the Japanese actions in the hospital, copy of telegram from the Minister for the Army notifying Mrs Potts of Captain Potts being a P.O.W., New South Wales Police Department Certificate to certify C. Mc. Potts served in the N.S.W. Police Force.

Note: Captain Pott's medals were initially sold by Noble Numismatics in 2006 for $8,700 plus buyer's premium (19.75%) of $1675 which equals $10,375. Ten years later we are proud to offer such an outstanding officers fighting gallantry group covering two conflicts, multiple wounds and a POW of the Japanese.

Cecil Johnson White was a local identity of Renmark in South Australia and amongst his talents is mention of his artistic ability. With this group comes a beautiful original characterture of "The flag Lieutenant" (signed C.J.W) of which we presume is from his embarkation. Also with his original AIF booklet of his Grave, a photo of him and a single collar badge.